PARISHPARISH MAGAZINEMAGAZINE

AUGUSTAUGUST // SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER 20202020 -- DOUBLEDOUBLE ISSUEISSUE

--line Free on Edition

Serving the communities of: , , , Littleton and Rowton.

IN THIS DOUBLE ‘SUMMER INTO AUTUMN’ ISSUE:

DOGS and GOD: The Rector writes below about his dog and how she speaks of God.

Personal reflections from Gill. Page: 4

Ian and Claire Gray. Page: 6

If you like a quiz, go to page: 9

More financial news from Liz. Page: 10

David Cummings History article focusses on Dorothy Colley McNair, and his Nature piece describes local wildlife seen recently. Page: 13

DOGS AND GOD: involved than will likely come as no surprise, when we decided though perhaps where I end up A few months ago we got a dog. to try for a baby. might be unexpected.

Jessie the Labrador. Alas, the deed is I’m struck by Jessie’s unconditional done. And we love. It doesn't matter if you have It’s taken us many years to take have a dog. left the room for 5 minutes or for the plunge. My wife and I both an hour. Jesse's joy upon seeing remarked, with amusement or For those of you who have had or you again, revealed in the extreme bemusement, on how the decision have dogs, or indeed – I’m sure – other pets, what I am about to say to get a dog has been far more (Continued on page 3)

To support St James’ Church, go to the website: https://www.stjameschristleton.org.uk

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PARISH CONTACTS: MAGAZINE:

RECTOR: EDITOR: Rev'd Dr Stefan Collier Tel: 01244 335663 The editor is: Brian Inall [email protected] Tel: 01244 336500 [email protected] (The Rector’s day off is normally Saturday) The next issue is October. Deadline for that issue ASSISTANT CURATE: will be: Friday 18th Sept 2020. Rob Croft Tel: 01244 683926 / 07745 624323 [email protected] COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING:

OTHER CLERGY IN THE PARISH: John Eccles Rev'd Gill Hibbert Tel: 01244 336544 Tel: 01244 336355 [email protected] [email protected] (Note: another new email address for Gill.) DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Joce Platel Rev'd Elizabeth Inall Tel: 01244 336500 Tel: 01244 332466 [email protected] [email protected]

CHURCHWARDENS: The Magazine subscription is normally £6 per year Bettie Gilliatt Tel: 01244 335645 and running from April to March, but during this Tina Lightfoot Tel: 07557 352592 Covid-19 crisis magazines will be free via the for either warden: church website and will not be printed or [email protected] delivered to homes. Any subscriptions paid will be carried forward until normality is restored. PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER: Ann White Tel: 07762 774975 Please tell others how to find the on-line [email protected] magazine. Do print it out yourself if that is helpful.

ORGANIST/MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Thank you for reading our magazine. We hope you (Vacant) enjoy it. Feedback is always welcome so please let

PCC SECRETARY: the editor know what you think about the Janet Milton Tel: 01244 325529 magazine. Contributions are welcome and more [email protected] details about this are available from the editor.

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR: (incl. Weekly Notices) The church website not only carries the current Marj Keech Tel: 07487 642912 issue but also back copies of this magazine and [email protected] much more information and news about what is happening at St James’ Church in these strange PARISH HALL BOOKINGS: and uncertain times. Maria Norbury Tel: 01244 335499 [email protected] ST JAMES' CHURCH WEBSITE: Also: enquiries & bookings online via website. https://www.stjameschristleton.org.uk

WEDDINGS, FUNERALS AND BAPTISMS: Website maintained by Jonathan Gilliatt Via website, or the Administrator or the Rector. [email protected]

VERGER: ST JAMES ON TWITTER: John Milton Tel: 01244 325529 @StJChristleton

BELLRINGING: CHRISTLETON VILLAGE WEBSITE: Nikki Dromgoole Tel: 07947 372721 www.christleton.org.uk

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helicopter motion of her tail, is Universe needs me, you – us. God constant. has, in a sense, limited himself in gifting us his unconditional love, I’m struck by how Jessie, when off and chosen us to be instruments the lead, goes ahead of you only of peace. Or in the words of one to return constantly, and draw great Anglican theologian and you forward with her – her pack. spiritual writer, W. H. Vanstone, You are hers, and she is yours. “God waits upon the response of his creation”. I’m struck by the responsibility Williams is leaving us as Musical Jessie demands of us – her A few months ago we got a dog. Director. We said a formal dependence, on us. To feed, ‘Goodbye’ at the 10am service on water, and keep her safe from, We expected it would be 19th July. She’s going on to higher e.g., consuming the tacking pin. demanding, while enriching. It studies in Medical Sciences so we was and is. are extremely pleased for her and I’m struck too by how Jessie wish her every success in her new speaks to me of God. We were not expecting Jessie the studies. dog would reveal to us something of God. The intensity of his love During this pandemic we have not for us. God’s desire to daily been able to sing, whether with adventure with us. His desire to or without a choir, and as Hannah bring peace through us. has been furloughed we’ve not heard her on the organ or Jessie reminds me ‘a dog is for keyboard either. life, not just for Christmas’. Jessie also reminds me ‘God is for life, With her resignation she comes not just for Christmas’. off the furlough scheme so it is possible that she will volunteer to With love and prayers this play for us from time to time if summer, she’s around. That will be good!

[Jessie] Stefan Hannah has worked wonders at ______getting our music at St James How her love, mimics that of going again, great organ playing God’s love for us. It’s relentless. MUSICAL DIRECTOR: and redeveloping the choir and It’s without strings or conditions. the music group. Who can forget How staggering is it to It is with great sadness that we the Barn Dance at the end of contemplate the joy God has learned recently that Hannah February which was so much fun when we turn to face him after 5 minutes, an hour, or a decade.

How her companionship on each daily adventure mimics that of God’s companionship on each daily adventure. We are God’s, and God is ours.

How her need for us mimics God’s need for us. How staggering this is to fathom. The God of the Sunday 19th July - saying ‘Thank You’ to Hannah in church. - 3 - and our last social event before like all of us tidy my files, read BELL MAINTENANCE 2020 the lockdown? So, thank you books that I purchased long ago The Bells at St james have been Hannah. but best of all time to sit before silent since March 23rd when the the Lord and walk with him, with Covid- 19 lockdown began. The So, once again, we will have to go no time pressure a deeper only activity in the tower, during looking for folk with musical communication. I have found the this time was a weekly visit by the abilities. We pray that God will Daily Radio really meaningful. Tower Captain, to wind the provide. And preparing the thoughts for church clock and check for birds the day the Hospice requested in the belfry! On the 4th July, Who out there can play the the heart of my week for the Lord when Church services resumed, organ? has used this as a channel to my three of the eight bells were rung work mates as they respond to by ringers from the same family the message by email. who are in, what we now call, a

social bubble. This was repeated Yes I feel different and older. I the following week, but our was ordained in the Cathedral at wonderful bells are now silent for in July 2009 and soon will a little while longer. return to my Chaplaincy at the

Hospice, but there are many It was 1927 when the last major changes ahead. The door of the work was carried out on the bells church has closed on me before and the bell frame, with some over the years yet the Lord finds a bells being recast from the (Editor) way round which takes me on a originals, dating circa 1750’s and new route but walking the way the wooden frame being replaced ______he provides by a cast iron one. Fast forward

93yrs and another major overhaul Have you ever wondered what A PERSONAL REFLECTION: is taking place. Taylors Bell Adam and Eve talked to God Foundry are carrying out the about when they walked with him Since the end of overhaul. Two of their Bell in the cool of the evening before March my daily Hangers started dismantling work, there was any need for life like many of on 13th July. Each morning I have intercession or spiritual warfare? I you suddenly been taking a photographic presume that they merely said changed I record for future generations, thank you and wow a lot. One returned home (hopefully generations of keen day we will be with the Lord for from the and skilled ringers!) ever. But what will we talk to him Hospice where I about? Will we have learned to work as Chaplain, hardly allowed I have had an association with the enjoy his presence, hallowing his to clear my desk and was forced Christleton Bells now (on and off) name without asking for anything into isolation. for forty years, having started in return? ringing when a school friend

OK I was on call for them and took invited my cousin to learn and I remember before my ordination a few funerals, and they then my cousin recruited me. In the famous prayer words of the requested Thought for the day the early 1980’s there were many Westminster shorter catechism addressed to staff’. more younger ringers than there To glorify God and to enjoy him are today, something that the for ever. Words to hold onto as As I look back I realise how Ringing Guild are trying to our journey continues. special this long period has been, remedy. In that 40years, I have firstly I needed to slow down and never seen the bells without their Gill Hibbert adjust the priorities in my life. and wheel, unseated from the frame

- 4 - and resting on big lumps of wood, All this fantastic work was made If you are interested in while the bearing housings are possible by a very generous discovering more about St. dismantled. All bell wheels, benefactor, to whom all of us are James’s bells, please get in clappers and sliders have been incredibly grateful. Maintaining contact and when it is safe to do taken back to Taylors in the bells now will prevent them so, we can arrange tower visits. Loughborough for refurbishment, falling into dis-repair and will whilst the frame is being ensure that they can continue to Nikki Dromgoole (Tower Captain) meticulously prepared for call people to worship for many painting, so that it lasts for more years. another 100 yrs.

The bells removed from their frame and The Ringing Chamber supported on timbers before work began.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING! low on funds at present and every extra bit is gratefully received. As the Covid-19 Government & The St James’ Church Fund Raising Group wishes to Church guidelines run the Christmas Wreath Making workshop and are gradually Produce & Craft Sale again in December this year – relaxed our but in a safe way of course. thoughts are to regain a little bit We shall gratefully receive donated Christmas more normality. ingredients at any time, but especially during The popularity of September and October. (Please give to Elizabeth the Annual Inall, Christine Abrams or Joce Platel.) Volunteers Wreath Making will then be ‘found’ to make up Christmas cakes, day in December Christmas Puddings, Mincemeat, Seasonal and the recent practice of linking it with a Preserves, etc. Christmas Produce & Craft Sale has raised significant funds for the church, and a lot of people The Wreath Making workshop is proposed for have had fun along the way. The church is rather Sat 5th December, and after the workshop the produce sale in the afternoon. We may also have

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Crafts for sale and Refreshments if we can do it More info from: safely. Elizabeth (Tel: 336500); Christine (Tel: 335562); Nobody knows what the Covid-19 situation will be or Joce (Tel: 332466). later in the year, but we hope that we can do something along these lines. Thank you, So, think about ingredients (flour, dried fruit, suet, The St James’ Church Fund Raising Group brandy, sugar, marzipan, icing etc.) and please put 5th Dec in your diary.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF IAN GRAY, Bible Translator with Wycliffe Bible Translators for 50+ years, who passed away in his sleep at home on Saturday 4th July 2020

Many of you will remember Ian and his long association with us at St James’ Church. Through Gwen Knight our Overseas Mission Link, we shared in many happy occasions with Ian and his wife Claire, learning about his work in Ghana.

Gwen writes: I feel very sad that the world has lost such a talented man. Ian’s patient, detailed and inspired work on Bible translation for the many languages in Ghana, was tireless. He always had some interesting point to share that gave unique insight to the biblical text from his carefully prepared dictionary and from his working knowledge of the Ghanaian culture. Year after year, Ian and Claire visited us in Chester and also spoke in St James’ Church, Christleton, spreading the good news and inspiring others. Ian is well remembered by so many. He never gave up, even when, as I understand, he took to his bed in the last couple of weeks. He was apparently quite happy as he could still do work on his computer. He will be sadly missed, not only by Claire and the family, but also by a very large Church and mission family.

Here is a photo of Ian and Claire as we remember them. Kind folk at St James contributed among many other things to the purchase of this wonderful red generator to enable the local folk to hear the Bible in their own language. You may remember that Claire took it across on her lap in the aeroplane and then on a local small boat! Lesley Morgan

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CHRISTLETON PARISH HALL

Currently closed, but as we go to print a review is taking place and it is hoped that the Parish Hall will be open again early in September. If you wish to book the hall or have any enquiries then please contact Maria Norbury (below):

Maria Norbury: Tel: 01244 335499. [email protected] (See also the church website.)

Churchyard Maintenance

If you wish to help keep the churchyard tidy then please talk to Mike Lightfoot who knows how this is being done safely at present. Of course, take a walk via the churchyard as part of your exercise. Be joyous in God’s amazing creation.

More details from Mike Lightfoot Tel: 07787 421357

Overgrown or a wildlife haven?

EDITING THIS MAGAZINE: point of view. The job is simply to produce a document using your favourite software and save I took over editing this magazine from Linda Rowe it as a PDF file. This then goes up on the web, or as back in February 2019. It has remained with me and when we return to printed copies then the ever since and I’m happy to be doing it - but it is PDF file goes to the printers. important that others share in this task. The job is also to gather the content from our This would give me a break from time to time and reliable contributors, proof read it, and ensure would inject a different style and viewpoint into there’s a balance of topics, serious and light the magazine and may save it from getting stale hearted, and with a balance of church & and ‘same-ish’. Of course it’s online at the moment community material. and curiously that’s actually easier from an editor’s Give me a call. Thanks, Brian Inall (Tel: 336500)

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CHINESE WHISPERS: to stop. We found bed & breakfast in a big house and after booking in went out to look for a meal. The three In the 1960's we had a Mini Van and one Sunday restaurants were advertising original Tarte Tatins. We afternoon, taking pushchairs, drove to Point had unknowingly arrived at the home of the famous and went for a walk along the road that skirts the Tart. marsh. The area that it is said, that round about 1800 was the scene of a tragedy. A girl went on the marsh to The story goes that in the 1880s two sisters Stéphanie round up cattle and in the dusk couldn't find her way and Caroline Tatin owned a hotel by the railway back . She was caught by the incoming tide and station [the railway no longer exists] and served meals. drowned. One day Stéphanie who did the cooking put some sliced apples on the stove to cook and then fell asleep. Fishermen found her in the river. The incident inspired She awoke to the smell of burning and not wanting to Charles Kingsley, Canon of Chester Cathedral to write waste the apples put a sheet of pastry on top and put the poem ‘The Sands Of Dee’ them in the oven. She served the resulting tart upside down. It proved so popular she kept making it. ‘O Mary, go and call the cattle home, And call the cattle home, We ate in one of the restaurants, having of course a And call the cattle home Tarte Tatin, and left with a printed recipe. Across the sands of Dee;’ The western wind was wild and dank with foam, I have made the tart many times using various recipes And all alone went she. some more complicated than others but have now found the simplest yet. I was watching Rick Stein My Father told me she lived at Denhall Farm which for interviewing Michel Roux in the kitchen of his those who don't know the area is near the shoreline restaurant at Bray and in the background Roux's son below Ness Gardens. was preparing a Tarte Tatin. This is the method he used :- When we got back to the van I couldn't start it. Another motorist in a Reliant three wheeler offered to In a shallow round metal dish he poured a quantity of take me to a phone box. I phoned Jean’s Sister Mary, sugar. He then cored and quartered we were due to go there for Tea, and asked if her some eating apples and arranged them in a fan shape husband Charlie would come for us. We were at around the dish. Lumps of butter were placed on top Burton Point I said. Will he know where it is? She and then covered with pastry. The dish was put in a replied I'm sure he will. preheated oven.

I walked the mile back to the van. After 90 minutes I It is certainly a short cut that works. I have made it gave up and walked to a café in Burton, about 2 miles, several times since. I use an American cast iron skillet I where our next-door neighbours were helping out, and bought about 30 years ago, the handle comes in handy asked for help. The husband borrowed his fathers-in- when you have to turn the tart over. law’s car, they owned the café, and took us all to Whitby where Jean’s sister lived. Ben Williams ______Charlie eventually came in and said” Where have you been I have been looking all over for you” I said Since writing the above Ben has supplied an additional “Didn't Mary tell you” he said “She said you had Tarte Tatin tip from Mary Berry as follows: broken down with burnt out points.” !! When making a tarte Tatin if you use juicy apples a lot Ben Williams of liquid is produced. When turning the tart over this ______spills out. Apart from the mess it makes it can also make the pastry soggy. Mary Berry suggests pouring the liquid into a pan before the tart is turned over and

TARTE TATIN: reducing it to a caramel to be poured over the cooling tart. Enjoy! On one of our trips to France and travelling south we came to the village of Lamotte-Beuvron .We decided Ben Williams

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TARTIFLETTE: Nearly there! (by: Revd Alex Brown)

On one of our French trips we visited a shop promoting Slowly but surely, and carefully, we’re getting there, Reblochon cheese, it was unknown to us so we bought 3 though I know that for some it’s taking too long rounds, there were also postcards giving a recipe for while over the road at the Pub Tartiflette. This cheese is washed-rind and smear ripened they’re worried the punters might break into song; cheese made in the Alpine region of Savoy from raw and for us with no singing or choir it won’t be the same, cow's milk. I cannot remember where we were when we but once through the door you’ll be glad you came, bought it. after carefully cleansing your hands and following the

Tartiflette is a modern recipe developed in the 1980's to directions and signs promote the sale of the cheese, this is how I make it. you’re back in the place where you’ve spent so much time, Take 2 or 3 potatoes and thinly slice them [I use a which for so many people means so very much mandolin] and put them in a pan of salted water and and where for almost a thousand years partly cook them. They should be firm enough to handle prayer has been offered in good times and bad, without breaking. in happiness and sorrow, in laughter and tears; In a non-stick frying pan put a quantity of smoked bacon and yes, it will be different lardons and fry until soft. Remove from pan leaving the but God remains constant and will banish our fears. fat behind and set aside. ______Add a little oil to the pan and fry some thinly sliced onions until soft. Remove the oil, you can do this by WHO’S WHO IN THE BIBLE: pushing the onions to one side, tilting the pan and A bit like cryptic crossword clues. The answers are soaking the oil up with kitchen towel. Return the lardons all people in the Bible. Answers on Page 16. to the pan and mix, set aside to cool.

Take a shallow ovenproof dish and put in an overlapping layer of potatoes the some onion/lardon mix. Continue 1. A bit of magic acting (7) until the dish is filled adding slices of cheese between 2. He’s in denial (6) some of the layers. When the dish is filled cover the top 3. End not with a bang, but a whimper (5) with slices of cheese. 4. The truth is in here somewhere (4) Bake in a preheated oven at180c until the cheese has 5. Exercise is cut short (6) melted and the potatoes cook about 30 minutes. 6. Time for bed, he said (7) 7. A dull cut (7) I gave 2 of the rounds to my Daughters and made the 8. A small investment account (5) dish twice with the other. Then much later we found it on sale in Sainsburys and it became a favourite dish 9. Someone to bring encouragement (6) especially at family buffets. If you cannot get Reblochon 10. A small number - surprise (4) try using Camembert or if you prefer something mild; 11. A most straightforward prophet (4) Brie. Ben Williams 12. Not good - almost the opposite (4) ______13. He insists - get rid of the creature (4) 14. Elvis by another name (5) BLESSING & POEM FOR THESE DAYS: 15. Stops pop group singing - criminal (8) (from the Diocesan Coronavirus Briefing No:20) 16. To get back at her, I moan (5) 17. She’s there somewhere (6) Northumbria (or Celtic) Blessing 18. He’s very keen - at least initially (5) May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, 19. She’s the same any way you look at her (6) wherever He may send you. 20. Take the animals back, but get the bird (7) May He guide you through the wilderness, ______protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing ANSWER TO PUZZLE IN JULY MAGAZINE: at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing HOW MANY ANIMALS GOING TO THE RIVER? once again into our doors. One. Only the Rabbit. It is not conclusive that any (This is a lovely blessing which we have sung in church a others were actually going to the river at that time. few times.) - 9 -

TREASURER’S SEMI LOCKDOWN ACTIVITIES to support our clergy so we have a way to go yet to fully achieve this. Well, things are beginning to change a little are they not! This change in amount paid is due to the incredible loyalty and support of our parishioners. The envelope The fact that the church is now open income is practically maintained and the standing order has meant that I have received some income is increased, providing a degree of security. Our envelope income and some donations expenses of course have been minimal with the church via the Perspex church box which of closed and will increase slightly from now on. course all helps with the bottom line. This is of course most welcome and can be processed As we are not quite at the end of this month, it is not into the account. helpful to give detailed breakdown figures but after our first 6 months due to various anomalies we had an The advice from the diocese, however, is that the unexpected surplus of £12K in the general fund, and preferable options do not involve cash in the present only £3,575 of that was in the first 3 months, £8,611 in Covid ridden times, as it needs to be quarantined for 72 the second 3 months (of course with a considerably hours before being dealt with and of course requires reduced parish share). banking via the post office – or indeed by other more obscure options! Cheques of course are still excellent Apart from playing with figures you may wonder what currency. else I have been doing?

We are therefore encouraged from the top, as it were, Fortunately for my mood I am now back to a limited to make use of the online donation facility on our extent on the golf course and the St James’ Golf Society website which allows gift aid to be claimed, or the is beginning to function once again, with the addition of contactless donation terminal in church. Huw Morgan who beat Stewart Phillips and myself hollow!! Just wait for the return match…… The online facility recently set up has attracted £330, and the contactless £40 since we came back to church. Then in my spare time I have manicured my enormous Both of these are administered on our behalf, so there is beech hedge which was overflowing the pavement such a small fee for each transaction. Bank transfer, whether that Olga could hardly get here to share the online direct or by standing order, does of course not have any worship – this is our latest treat, with shortbread fee reducing the donation, so of all this is my very most biscuits with our coffee. When I couldn’t sleep I went to favourite!!! Platts in the dark where there is minimal light pollution and after a long time searching managed We did discuss these points at our recent zoom to identify the new comet, Neowise, about 10 degrees stewardship meeting and it was felt that we should in away from the lower right star of the frying pan of the general try to encourage embracing the pandemic Plough in the 4 o’clock position. Not a hope without accelerated move towards electronic money transfer in binoculars or a telescope and of course a very clear the future, while of course realising this will not suit night sky was required. I wonder what the portent of everyone. this comet is for our times?!!

I must admit to feeling quite sad we had such reduced Back to our wonderful parishioners – thank you so very income initially we reduced our parish share to a 0.5 much for your steady and dependable support. level, so I am now delighted to tell you that our income Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like is now such that the PCC felt able to increase this to 0.75 to know anything more about the on line or electronic from the end of this month. This is very reassuring and I systems. personally hope we can increase it further as time goes on. I am only glad I am not the treasurer for Liz McClure Westminster Abbey! Nor for that matter Nantes Cathedral.

I think I was corrected on my interpretation last month and the truth is that over 90% of a 1.0 parish share goes

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AA HOLEHOLE LOTLOT BETTER!BETTER!

First we had this:

Then these appeared:

We were invaded by big aliens.

But now it’s all smooth. No holes to be seen.

Linda Rowe:

On Monday 20th July Linda left Christleton and moved to St Ives, in Cornwall. She returns to her family home and near where Tim is buried. Linda was an energetic member of St James, a past editor of this magazine, served on the PCC, and is a good friend of many. We shall miss her but continue to keep in touch.

We send our love and God’s blessings to Linda as she makes her new life in that lovely part of the world.

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St James' Church Calendar

AUGUST to OCTOBER 2020:

Gradually things are beginning to happen again at St James’ Church. Whilst the church now has limited opening, the Parish Hall remains closed at present but due consideration is taking place to open the Parish Hall in early September. As things are very fluid, please check the church website or ask the Rector, a Churchwarden or the Parish Administrator is you are unsure.

The church is open: Sundays 9am to 2pm and Wednesdays 2pm to 5pm.

Monday - Friday: 9.00am: Morning Prayer - online using Zoom *. A short time of devotion to start the day. At some stage this will transfer back to the church.

Wednesdays: 2.00pm - 5pm: Church open for Private Prayer. Prayer stations with text from Psalm 23 are there to aid your private prayers and meditation.

Sundays: 10.00am: Holy Communion service in church. Please wear a face covering. 11.30am: Morning Worship online using Zoom *. Church remains open for Private Prayer until 2pm.

The church is also now open for Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals.

Distancing, maximum numbers and hygiene rules apply. You should wear a face covering and the clergy may wear visors. Whenever you enter the church you will be asked to sanitise your hands and maintain social distancing and you will not be able to use any church books or orders of service. If the building is full when you arrive and it’s unsafe to have more people, then sadly you may not be able to enter.

Sat 5th December. The Annual Christmas Wreath making workshop and produce and craft sale Subject to Covid-19 conditions at the time. See article page 5.

CHURCHYARD WORKING GROUP: Maintenance work is now taking place again, and if you wish to join other volunteers then please speak to Mike Lightfoot who can explain how it can be done safely. See ad on page 7.

PCC MEETINGS (on-line at present): Regular PCC meetings: 16/9/2020; 18/11/2020; 20/1/2021; 17/3/2021.

* JOINING ZOOM MEETINGS / WORSHIP: (We are no longer using Jitsi Meet for online meetings as we have decided that Zoom gives an improved performance.)

For Sunday the Zoom invite & joining details are on the St James’ website (click/tap on Sunday Worship) which along with the Order of Service, hymns and the homily are put there shortly before.

For the midweek Morning Prayer the Zoom invite & joining details are within the Calendar on the St James’ website. If you are having difficulty please ask the Rector, Churchwarden or administrator.

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HISTORY FILE:

People We Remember - Dorothy Colley McNair

Dorothy Colley McNair was United Nations panel a Christleton resident and a very remarkable person, not only caring for a young family, and supporting her husband Tim a respected tailor when they moved to Chester, but being inspirational in her leadership of all things creative in the area. Her influence was immense, and can be seen in her work, or in what she inspired. Her major work was to design and organise the making of the 1992 St James’ banner embroideries for the 900th Anniversary of Chester Cathedral. This work took five years and involved an administrative team, sewing leaders, teachers and artists in various parishes who helped with local designs for the 630 kneelers. Over 1,000 stitchers, men, women and children attended the dedication service in Chester Cathedral. She also designed and led a team of 20 skilled needle women to make the altar frontal and vestments for the Cathedral.

The unique Edwin Carr memorial frontal for St James’ Christleton, based on a view of the Holy Land from space, was designed and machine stitched in 1997, with the help of a group of members from church. Dorothy was also delighted to have been commissioned by Voirrey Embroidery to produce three memorial samplers to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, D Day and V E Day in 1994. Altar Cloth - Sea of Galilee

Her designs to commemorate the Millennium Christleton. She also produced an embroidered included; panel – Theme “Air” for the new Breast care Unit at

the Countess of Chester Hospital in June 2003. This A panel for the United Nations in Chester work incorporated the ideas and work of a group. Cathedral, Embroideries and kneelers for the The enlarged design was completed as a collage to Hospice of the Good Shepherd, two panels and tell the story of the embroidery. She also produced wedding kneelers for Burton Church, ten kneelers a set of Preaching Scarves for the Falls Church in for the Clatterbridge Hospital Chapel, a Cushion for Washington USA. the Embroiders Guild 2000 project, and a new banner for the Mothers Union at St James’ Church This list is not exhaustive and shows what a - 13 - dynamic person she really was, despite being ill the meadows and from along the river, at herself over a long period of time. She also had the lightening speeds, feeding as they flew. Then they joy of meeting, falling in love and marrying seemed to gather in a great circle in the sky above Professor Philip McNair in 2005/6 and they were my head, communicating with each other in some able to share two wonderful years together both in way before repeating their feeding frenzy, and Christleton at later at Much Haddam in once again swooped on unsuspecting insects over Hertfordshire. She inspired so many in her life and the lush meadows. This lasted for about 45 minutes her wonderfully created designs will delight, and be in all, before they flew off, some towards the lake seen by people in the area for centuries to come. and others towards their roost in the barns at Cotton Farm. There were probably 50+ swifts Dorothy died at Much Haddam on 16th March 2008 feeding over the lake, their dark black scimitar aged 79yrs. shapes, making recognisable flight patterns in the big grey skies. Sadly I have seen no swifts in David Cummings 2020 Christleton at all this year, and only a handful near the shops at Waverton, both regular sites to see these superb flying machines. Many people have commented on the lack of swallows in the village and surrounding area this year, and although I have seen a reasonable number they are well down for the reasons that I explained last month.

Let me get back to my sightings of the Emperor dragonfly. I have tried for years to photograph these rare insects, the largest UK dragonfly. These beautiful, elegant blue creatures seem to buzz, dart and dance in front of you, not giving a moments opportunity to capture a sharp image Tapestry in St James’ Church with a camera. Watching a male flying into a strong ______headwind at Prees Heath a week or so ago, gave me the best opportunity yet, and the results can be WILDLIFE WATCH seen in my images above. We had called in at Prees Heath, an area of restored heath land between the The Flying Emperor A41 and A49, really to see a butterfly speciality, the rare silver studded blue which we were delighted The main highlights for me this month has been to see, and it was during our search for these tiny seeing Emperor dragonflies, rare silver studded blue insects, that we came across a small pond blue butterflies and seeing and listening to where the Emperor was in flight mode. Imaging our yellowhammers. Christleton Pit has also been an excitement when two days later near the Japanese excellent viewing site, with appearances of a male Garden at , we not only watched Emperor, male 4 spotted chaser, and male black another male Emperor, but he attracted my tailed skimmer dragonflies, the latter two being attention to a female laying eggs on some pond new species at The Pit. They were joined by both weed just 20m away. He kept dipping and diving blue tailed and common blue damselflies. Another around her, so gave me the opportunity to see great moment came on 4th July when I witnessed exactly where she was and then take some an early morning feeding frenzy by 100+ house pictures. Another rare sighting at Prees was the martins over the meadows and lake at Hockenhull. appearance of singing male yellowhammers with There were so many of these sleek black and white their distinctive song a repetitive “little bit of bread fliers coming from all directions, I frequently had to and no cheese”. and locally in Christleton duck down to avoid being hit, as they came across was once a stronghold for these delightful bright

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yellow birds, with as many as 100 roosting in the reed beds at Hockenhull in winter months. In fact it was named by enthusiasts at one stage as Cheshire’s County bird, but numbers have dwindled rapidly since those heady days in the 1970’s. There have been a few local sightings this year, at Birch Heath Common, along Hockenhull Lane and Walk Mill, but you really have to be lucky to spot them.

Finally this month I’m delighted to report that the cluster of common spotted orchids on the Legion Emperor in flight Meadow has spread further this year, and we hope that they will continue to do so in the future. Although they are not obvious in the tallest meadow grasses they have a distinctive purple and pink colour, and I’ll highlight them and other flowering plants in my next report.

David Cummings.

Swift

Emperor egg laying

The Foodbank is still operating and needs your contributions more than ever, but even though the church is now open for part of the time we prefer it if you didn’t leave items in church unless you have no other option.

So please try to use the collection points available in all these big supermarkets: Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco

Also the Royal Mail Sorting Office on Station Road has a box. Or people can take items directly to the Foodbank ...the address and directions are on their website: https://westcheshire.foodbank.org.uk . And finally people can make a money donation to the foodbank - regular or one-off - and again details are on their website. They will be happy with anything non-perishable but long life fruit juice is urgent and always welcome, also tinned meats, instant mashed potatoes, instant noodles, tinned custard & puddings, treats/sweets. They do NOT need pasta, beans, tomatoes. Thank you for your help. (Chris Alderton)

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FROM THE REGISTERS:

Funerals:

Mrs Evelyn Wilson, died 13/10/2019, aged 85. Burial of ashes at St James: 22/7/2020 Mrs Nancy Owen, died 4/7/2020, aged 86 Funeral at St James: 30/7/2020 Mr Stanley Carline, died 24/5/2020, aged 88. Burial of ashes at St James: 15/7/2020 Mr John Evans, died 25/2/2020, aged 104 Burial of Ashes at St James: 26/8/2020 Mrs Joyce Lockley, died 8/7/2020, aged 83. Funeral & burial at St James: 21/7/2020 Note: The current rules specify a limit to the number attending funerals, and all social distancing Mrs Annie Young, died 14/7/2020, aged 102. and hygiene requirements will apply. As rules are Funeral & burial at St James: 6/8/2020 slowly being relaxed this may change.

ANSWERS TO CRYPTIC QUIZ (Page 10): 1: Abraham; 2: Daniel; 3: Peter; 4: Ruth; 5: Pilate; 6: Zebedee; 7: Matthew; 8: Isaac; 9: Philip; 10: Noah; 11: Amos; 12: Levi; 13: Adam; 14: Aaron; 15: Barabbas; 16: Naomi; 17: Esther; 18: David; 19: Hannah; 20: Stephen.

CONGRATULATIONS:

To David & Jean Cresswell as they celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary on the 15th August 2020.

If you have birthdays and anniversaries at this time we send you congratulations and hope that you’re able to celebrate despite the restrictions! Please send details to the editor if you wish them to appear here.

Drakes Haircutters of Christleton Ladies & Gents Salon

Mon: Closed Tues: 9.15 - 5.00 Wed: 9.15 - 5.00 Thurs: 9.15 - 8.00 Fri: 9.15 - 6.00 Sat: 9.00 - 3.30 Sun: 11.00 - 3.00

Discount for new clients—bring this ad.

Holly House, Village Road, Christleton, CH3 7AS Tel: (01244) 332660 www.drakeshaircutters.co.uk

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The Ring O’ Bells is a welcoming Cheshire pub combining high class food with the finest wines and beers. Venue is available for christenings, weddings and funerals.

Regular events & offers...

Coffee AM - Monday to Saturday from 9am, pop in and enjoy our fabulous coffee or loose leaf tea and some delicious sweet treats or something more substantial from our brunch menu. 2 for 1 Burgers Every Monday enjoy 2 for 1 Burgers, buy one of our mouth- watering burgers and get another one free of charge! 2 for 1 Pizzas Every Wednesday enjoy 2 for 1 Pizza, buy one of our fabulous homemade hand stretched stone baked pizzas & get another one free of charge! Saturday Breakfast Club Every Saturday from 9am serving our Breakfast/ Brunch menu alongside tea, coffee & cakes.

Tel: 01244 335422 Email: [email protected] Address: Village Rd, Christleton, CH3 7AS

SPACE TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

Contact our advertising manager: John Eccles (see contacts page)

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David Joinson Quality Meats

 Award Winning Butcher GORDON BROWN  Prize winning SPACE TO sausage maker PLUMBING & CENTRAL HEATING ADVERTISE  Supplier to the (Christleton) LTD catering trade YOUR

Gas Safe Registered 125 Christleton Road Boiler replacements / repairs BUSINESS Boughton Central Heating Installations Chester CH3 5UQ Plumbing Alterations and Tel: 01244 325614 Contact our advertising 15a Market Hall repairs manager: John Eccles Chester CH1 2HH Tel: 01244 323716 Sandiway, Plough Lane (see contacts page) mobile: 07783318670 Christleton, CH3 7BA

01244 335785 [email protected]

Jennie's Catering OF CHRISTLETON

Every Occasion Catered For:

Canapes Buffets Finger Buffets Afternoon Teas Dinner Menus Freezer Orders

Waiter Service as Required

For Help and Friendly Advice Contact

Jenny Adam 01244 330090

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